Soccer News: Liverpool eye Lorenzo Insigne

Clubs across Europe are busy preparing for the January window. That means the rumour mill never stops, so we asked our friends at Football Whispers to round up all the latest news and gossip from the continent.

Italy

Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne is a Liverpool transfer target ahead of the January transfer window. The Italy international has scored six goals this season – one of which was a last-minute winner against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the Champions League – and the Reds are said to be planning an approach. (Rai Sport)

Kevin Mirallas is reluctant to return to Everton following the completion of his loan spell with Fiorentina. The Belgian winger, who joined the Serie A club in the summer, has so far made four appearances. “My aim is to remain here and convince Fiorentina to sign me on a permanent deal,” he said. (La Nazione)

Cristiano Biraghi’s crucial last-minute goal for Italy against Poland in the Nations League has attracted the attention of a number of Serie A clubs. Inter are believed to be preparing a move for the Fiorentina left-back, who spent seven years in the Nerazzuri’s youth system. (Corriere dello Sport).

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has admitted Genoa striker Krzysztof Piatek is a target. The Polish forward has emerged on the radars of several clubs after a superb start to the season, scoring nine goals in seven Serie A games. “It’s true that I’ve spoken about Piatek with Preziosi (Genoa president) and even with the player’s agent,” De Laurentiis is quoted as saying. “We will meet again. (Corriere dello Sport)

Krzysztof Piatek is a man in demand

Spain

Manchester City are prepared to pay £62m to land Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong. Barcelona are considered strong favourites to secure the 21-year-old’s signature and are said to have had a bid rejected. De Jong is also a Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham transfer target. (Mundo Deportivo)

Frenkie de Jong is highly-rated by Ajax

Malcom’s future at Barcelona could depend on whether he features in the club’s next three matches. The Brazilian has played just 25 minutes in La Liga since his summer arrival from Bordeaux and is determined to make an impact over the next two weeks. Barcelona play Sevilla and Real Madrid in La Liga, with a Champions League game against Inter in between. (Mundo Deportivo)

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has not ruled out a January exit after seeing his playing time decrease this season. The Ghana international was a key player for Diego Simeone last season, making 40 starts across all competitions. Arsenal are believed to be interested in acquiring his services should he opt to move on. (Marca)

Thomas Vermaelen’s chances of a new contract at Barcelona are growing increasingly slim after he suffered another injury. The former Arsenal defender will be out for six weeks with a strained hamstring. (AS)

Germany

Manuel Neuer has insisted that he is still Germany’s No 1 after doubts were expressed over his recent performances. Lothar Matthaus questioned whether the Bayern Munich goalkeeper should still start for Germany following his recent injury troubles, but Neuer said: “I can say that I’m fit. I have no problems, even as far as my foot is concerned, everything is fine. I’m on a good level. (Sport Bild)

France

Alexandre Lacazette has admitted that he misses “Ligue 1’s atmosphere”. The Frenchman joined Arsenal from Lyon in the summer of 2017 and has made an impressive start to the season. But he has hinted that he might look to return to his homeland in the future. “There’s a better atmosphere in French stadiums,” he said. (Le Progres)